Quoted By:
“Wow…”
A cold ocean breeze washes over you as you reach the top of the sand-caked concrete steps leading onto the <span class="mu-g">CLEARWATER PIER.</span> A cornucopia of scents tickle your nostrils–some sweet, some savory, but all of them have just a hint of salt and smoky wood courtesy of the countless beach bonfires lighting up the sand like jewels in the approaching evening.
“I uh,” Talbot remarks as he tries to limit his long-legged strides to keep pace with your low-heeled drumsticks, “I thought it’d be <span class="mu-i">packed</span>!”
So did you, you shrug as you scan the long finger of barnacle-covered wood extending far into the sea, but T’s right–though the air is jam-packed with the roar of newly-reconstructed rides and attractions going at full-blast, the pier is manned and patrolled by, well…
A <span class="mu-i">SKELETON CREW</span>!
“<span class="mu-r">Too soon.</span>”
Sorry. Still, something’s off about tonight, you mutter to yourself, but you can’t place your finger on what, exactly…
“Shiiiit, it better not be almost closing time!” Roars Talbot as he stomps his foot on the wood below! “This was gonna be <span class="mu-i">magical</span>, damn it! <span class="mu-i">ENCHANTING AS HELL!</span>”
As your date takes his frustration out on a nearby cardboard cutout of a cartoony shark, you feel yourself tense up at the possibilities. Anything’s possible after that encounter in the truck! The two of you mill about in the middle of the pier entrance for a few solid minutes before a nearby conversation snaps you out of your collective stupor:
“Phew, that was a blast, huh?”
Watching a young couple make their way back to the parking lot, a girl in a trendy-looking parka responds with a cheerful giggle!
“Mhm! Sucks that you’ve got work tomorrow–we should come back on a weekend!”
As the pair wander off laughing as they go, both you and Talbot exchange an excited look!
“STAN! Everyone’s gotta go to work tomorrow… EXCEPT <span class="mu-i">US!</span>”
>CONTD.